Calls for Aussie heroes in Thai cave rescue to be honoured

The Australians who helped rescue of 12 boys trapped inside a Thai cave are on their way home, as a campaign builds to award Dr Richard Harris and his dive partner Craig Challen Australia’s highest honour.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull already has the ball rolling, while crews from other countries involved in the operation can’t praise our men highly enough.

On Friday the Australian rescue team left Chiang Rai, with Adelaide the first stop for Dr Richard Harris, whose father passed away during the rescue mission.

Craig Challen, left, and Richard Harris, right, were a crucial part of the rescue operation. Source: 7 News

Other divers agree that Dr Harris played a special role in the remarkable rescue effort.

“He’s got a very good bedside manner, he’s got a very bouncy Australian accent, and they seemed to find that quite relaxing and reassuring,” British diver John Volanthen said.

Dr Harris and long time dive partner Craig Challen are up for our highest civilian honour, the Cross of Valour.